Senator Rodante Marcoleta on Thursday underscored that trade reforms must place Filipino consumers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the center, as the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship convened its organizational hearing.

“Our goal is to spur economic growth and reduce poverty. Ang hangad namin ay kaunlaran, hindi ‘yung pagkalugi ni Juan at ni Juana (We seek development, not business losses for Juan and Juana),” Marcoleta said, stressing that MSMEs, which employ more than two-thirds of the labor force, deserve full government support.

He said the committee would push for policies that stabilize prices, guarantee quality and affordable products, and protect consumers, including in online marketplaces.

“Patuloy tayo sa mga hakbang na gawing patas at ligtas ang ating mga consumer, maging mga e-commerce platform man ‘yan (We will continue measures to ensure fair and safe treatment of consumers, even in e-commerce platforms),” he added.

Marcoleta also vowed to promote a “true Filipino brand” that elevates local talent and creativity while safeguarding intellectual property.

“Today, lahat tayo’y iniuugnay ng kalakaran sa mga karatig-bansa na di tayo dehado, bagkus higit lalong pinauunlad ang ating mga kakayahan sa pagnenegosyo, pamumuhunan, at sa paglikha ng mga trabaho (Today, trade links us to our neighbors not to disadvantage us, but to further strengthen our capacities in business, investment, and job creation),” he said.

During the organizational briefing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented the country’s international engagements, including negotiations for free trade agreements with the European Union, United Arab Emirates, and Chile, and the Philippines’ formal application to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

DTI Undersecretary Allan Gepty reported that 71 percent of Philippine trade is already covered by free trade agreement (FTA) partners, while ongoing negotiations seek to expand market access, lock in tariff preferences, and integrate provisions on digital trade, labor standards, and sustainability. (PNA)